Scene by Suzy Menkes: Renli Su, Nom de Mode

The melding of races and ethnic origins made for interesting collections in London

The genuine melding of races and ethnic origins in London makes for interesting collections.

Renli Su

“I am Chinese, but I am also Tibetan,” said Renli Su, referring to her religion and her desire to have Tibetan-made clothes from purely organic fabrics.

It is intriguing to see a creative designer from Asia who does not draw on the typical symbols of the East as seen by Westerners.

Using Tibetan yak wool and Chinese silk, weighing similar materials with different textures, here is a designer with something delicate to say and a vision from her own world.

Nom de Mode

“We are Indian but we are from London,” explained twin sisters Hardeep and Mandeep Chohan, whose tailored and streamlined designs are a far cry from the hyper-decorated sari patterns and elaborate embellishments associated with the India of the Raj.

To add to the cosmopolitan feeling, the brand has a French name: Nom de Mode. But there is still something in the depth of colour and the quality of the fabric that bears the traces of their Northern Indian homeland.